2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary pause on the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim, was noted for its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, which added to its visual appeal. However, the design was not universally loved, with some angles and lighting conditions casting doubt on its aesthetic choices. Inside, the Civic's interior, once daring, had started to show its age, especially with its 7-inch infotainment screen. Despite this, the cabin maintained quality materials and thoughtful detailing, staying true to its trend-setting roots.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern and sleek design into 2022. It resembled a smaller Altima, with a low-slung, coupe-like appearance that was a significant improvement over its predecessors. The Sentra's design language was well-executed, offering a range of bold colour options, including a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, with a modern and functional layout. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash featured a trio of vents that added an upscale touch. The Sentra's trims, S, SV, and SR, offered various features, with the SR trim providing sportier elements and the Midnight Edition package adding dark accents for a more aggressive look.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension system that offered excellent ride and handling. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a point of contention, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, achieving 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop, surpassing official estimates.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generating 149 horsepower. In Canada, it came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with a CVT as an option. The Sentra's engine was not particularly outstanding, but the CVT managed power effectively, providing consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately, making it a reliable choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The front seats provided comfort, with the driver's seat offering eight-way power adjustment. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space, and the trunk provided 416 litres of cargo space in the Touring trim.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench for added versatility. The Sentra's trunk could be remotely opened, and its spacious interior provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered plenty of storage options.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but wireless connectivity was not offered.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with the SV and SR trims offering an 8-inch version. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy-to-navigate menus and conventional hard buttons. However, the graphics were dated, and wireless connectivity was absent, which was becoming more common in non-luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system was limited to the right side, and the lack of a traditional blind-spot warning system was a drawback. Despite this, the Civic earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control was effective but could be abrupt. The Sentra received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.